And that is exactly how it should be for five of Otago's greatest servants.
White Ferns and Otago all-rounder Suzie Bates and former international cricketer and Otago all time leading wicket-taker Stephen Boock were made life members of the Otago Cricket Association (OCA) at its general meeting last night.
Neither could make the meeting, but former New Zealand Cricket (NZC) and OCA chairman Stuart Heal, North Otago Cricket Association chairman Peter Cameron and Otago Country chairman and long-serving Otago scorer Malcolm Jones were present to accept their life membership.
OCA chief executive Mike Coggan said each one of the five had made an outstanding contribution to the association.
Bates is the greatest female player to have donned the blue and gold. She was recognised by Wisden (2015) and the ICC (2013 and 2015) as the world's finest female cricketer. And her leadership and influence has contributed to the growth and stature of the women's game.
She is the first female life member of the OCA.
Boock's haul of 399 first-class wickets for Otago from 1973 to 1990 may never be overhauled. He is more than 100 ahead of his nearest rival and served on the board of NZC from 2002 to 2011, including a four-year stint as president.
''They continue to be amazing ambassadors for Otago cricket,'' Coggan said.
''Suzie is still playing but every time she comes back she puts her hand up and helps coach the young kids.''
''And for Stephen it is not just his playing achievement but more his contribution he made off the field.''
Cameron has to be one of the most dedicated volunteers in the region. He has been on the board of North Otago Cricket since 1997 and has been the chairman since 2002.
Jones is another tireless servant. He has been the Otago scorer since the late 1980s and has been a board member of Otago Country since 2006 and chairman since 2007.
He never misses an opportunity to promote the virtues of Molyneux Park, and was instrumental in making sure the venue features on the domestic schedule.
''We are only as strong as our districts and those two have been really outstanding advocates and administrators in their respective regions. And Stuart Heal continues to be an ambassador for Otago cricket.''
Heal served on the board of the OCA from 2000 to 2007, including a six year stint as chairman. He led the development of the University of Otago Oval. After that he was on the NZC board from 2008 to 2016 and was chairman from 2013 to 2016.
''Now we get to treat them like they should be treated, as people who have put in a lifetime's worth of work.''
